Spring has arrived and its time to start thinking about the spring racing carnivals, and more importantly what to wear!!!
Here’s a brief run down of the major events of the season:
Melbourne Cup Carnival
The Fashions on the Field competition has just been announced and it looks a little different this year. Introducing, “Myer Fashion on your Front Lawn” with the entire competition being held completely online.
The national competition will open on Sofitel Girls’ Day In, Saturday 12th September 2020. Finalists will be selected by a panel of high-profile professionals in the fashion industry to represent all 8 States and Territories across Australia for each of the Womens and Mens Racewear categories in the National Final.
To enter, simply submit photographs of your racewear outfit taken around your home. It may include your front lawn, backyard, driveway or porch. In a first for the competition, contestants are invited to submit up to four individual racewear outfits through the duration of the entry period. Head to the VRC’s website for more details.
The Everest Carnival
The Australian Turf Club will be hosting a couple fashion events trackside this spring starting with The Everest Carnival Fashion Lunch on TAB Epsom Day, 3 October 2020. The event includes a performance by Natalie Bassingthwaighte, special guest speakers, a fashion runway and charity prize draw with the major prize being a $30,000 Cerrone diamond and sapphire necklace. For more details see here.
The ATC is also going virtual with their “Spring Style Stakes” fashions on the field competition on the major carnival days of the Everest Carnival:
- Fujitsu George Main Stakes Day at Royal Randwick on September 19
- Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day at Royal Randwick on October 10
- Everest Day, at Royal Randwick on October 17
- Golden Eagle Day at Rosehill Gardens on October 31
Contestants are asked to take a photo or video and upload it here. More information to be provided shortly. Check out the ATC’s Spring Style Guide for further inspiration.
Here’s a list of the ATC’s complimentary raceday rose lapels during Spring you can coordinate your outfit with.
| George Main Stakes Day | Red Rose (wear a splash of red) |
| De Bortoli Wines Golden RoseDay | Yellow Rose |
| TAB Epsom Day | White Rose |
| Moёt & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day | Pink Rose |
| The Everest | White Rose (wear a touch of light blue) |
| City Tattersalls Club Cup Day | White Rose |
| Golden Eagle Day | Yellow Rose |
| Cup Day | White Rose |
Judging Fashions
Judges look for an aesthetically pleasing spring racing outfit styled with shoes and accessories.
- The outfit must reference spring racing dress codes – appropriate colours and correct seasonal fabrics choices.
- Incorporate current trends while demonstrating individual style – sophistication, creativity and individuality are key.
- Gentlemen must wear a tie or bow tie.
- Women must wear a headpiece or fascinator.
Check out the Millinery Association of Australia’s guide to Millinery in Fashions on the Field.
For more inspiration view Abigail Fergusson’s racewear hats and headbands here.